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Game #27: Wolves vs. Suns Game Thread

The Wolves look to rebound from their tough home loss to the Rockets as they welcome the struggling Phoenix Suns to Target Center.

By Kyle Theige
NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves at Phoenix Suns Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Timberwolves (7-19) face off against the Phoenix Suns (8-19).

Target Center (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

7:00 CST on NBATV (bah humbug, NBA League Pass)

No official game preview for tonight, but after the extremely disappointing finish to Saturday’s game against the Rockets, there is only one way to approach tonight’s home contest with the Suns:

If this song isn’t bumping in Target Center tonight, then we need to have an intervention with DJ Matty Matt. With that said, a few quick thoughts on tonight’s matchup:

  • At 8-19, the Suns (much like the Wolves) are struggling mightily so far this season. The Suns rank 25th in Net Rating (-5.2), 25th in eFG% (48.6%), and 30th in assist ratio (13.6). Additionally, the Suns rank 24th in opponents points off turnovers (17.4) and 29th in opponents fast break points (17.3). It will be imperative for the Wolves to bring the energy on the defensive end if they want to get out in transition and get easy buckets.
  • The Wolves are a putrid 3-10 at home, while the Suns are 4-11 on the road. Something has to give!
  • Five of the Wolves next six opponents have a record below .500 (Suns, Hawks x2, Kings, and Nuggets).
  • While the season has been a major disappointment thus far, the Wolves are currently only 4.5 games out of the 8th spot in the West (currently held down by the Portland Trailblazers). With the struggles the Blazers are currently have (4-6 in their last 10), and the inconsistency and injuries facing the teams ahead of the Wolves (Kings, Pelicans, Lakers just to name a few), stringing together a small winning streak of “winnable” games could do wonders for the Wolves as they approach the new calendar year.

“And now, your starting lineups...”

Expected Starting Lineups

Minnesota Timberwolves
PG - Ricky Rubio
SG - Zach LaVine
SF - Andrew Wiggins
PF - Gorgui Dieng
C - Karl-Anthony Towns

Phoenix Suns
PG - Eric Bledsoe
SG - Devin Booker
SF - P.J. Tucker
PF - Marquese Chriss
C - Tyson Chandler

For game coverage, be sure to follow @johnmeyer as well as the SB Nation accounts of @canishoopus and @BrightSideSun (our friends over at SBNation Phoenix).

The game thread is open and ready for business. Let’s go Wolves!